New Delhi, September 22 — The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on a public interest litigation seeking an independent probe into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad that killed 265 people.
A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh expressed concern that portions of the preliminary inquiry report were selectively leaked, creating a media narrative that pointed to pilot error. “Suppose tomorrow, it is said pilot ‘A’ is responsible… The family of the pilot is bound to suffer,” Justice Kant remarked.
Calling the disclosure of such information “very unfortunate,” the Bench observed, “Instead of piecemeal leaking of information, somebody should maintain confidentiality till the regular inquiry is taken to its logical conclusion.”
The petition, filed by the non-profit Safety Matters Foundation through advocate Prashant Bhushan, argued that the investigation panel set up after the crash included three DGCA officials, creating a conflict of interest. “How can officers of the very organisation whose role is likely to be examined be part of the inquiry?” Bhushan asked.
The court, however, stressed that issues of confidentiality, privacy and dignity were involved and advised caution until the final report is released. Noting that leaked findings could be exploited by rival airlines, the Bench said it was issuing notice on the “limited aspect” of ensuring a free, fair, independent and time-bound investigation.
The judges also questioned the petitioner’s plea for disclosure of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR). Bhushan argued the DFDR contained critical clues about technical faults that may have led to the crash, but the Bench responded, “It’s not advisable to release it.”
Bhushan further submitted that “It has been more than 100 days since the crash occurred. All that has been done so far is a preliminary report. It doesn’t say what has happened or what may have happened and what precautions should be taken. The result is all passengers who are travelling on these Boeing planes are at risk today.”
The petition has sought disclosure of all records relating to the crash and appointment of an independent team under Supreme Court supervision to conduct the probe.
The June 12 disaster involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick airport. The aircraft crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after takeoff, killing all 241 passengers and crew on board, including 169 Indians, 52 Britons, seven Portuguese, one Canadian and 12 crew members. The sole survivor was Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, who was pulled alive from the wreckage.
The court will hear the matter after responses from the Centre, DGCA and AAIB.
